Furnace Repair or Replace

Your home’s HVAC system is an expensive investment. Perhaps this tempts you to put off a furnace replacement and choose to repair your outdated unit instead. Consider these factors when deciding whether to repair or replace:

Age: A 12- to 15-year-old furnace is probably on its last leg and not worth repairing, especially if you have already poured money into several repairs over the past season or two.

Investment cost: It costs more to replace than to repair, but consider the long-term investment cost of keeping your old furnace up and running. The knowledgeable HVAC contractors at Aire Serv can help you calculate your return on investment.

Utility rates: By taking utility bills from past seasons and calculating future bills based on rising utility rates, you can determine how much it will cost to run your existing furnace this year. Compare that with the energy consumed by a new furnace at the same utility rates and see what savings you can expect from a furnace replacement.

Different Types of Furnaces and Heating Systems

Gas furnaces have low operational costs and are therefore the most common.

Electric furnaces are a good alternative where natural gas is not available.

Oil furnaces are another choice if natural gas isn’t an option.

Other types of heating systems are also available:

Heat pumps work like ACs during the summer and ACs in reverse during the winter.

Boilers heat water for radiant heating systems.

What to Consider when Choosing a Furnace Replacement

Geographic location: If you rely more on heating than air conditioning because you live in a cold geographic location, it’s worthwhile to invest in a high-efficiency furnace replacement. Paying the extra upfront cost might not be economical for warm-climate residents, though.

Existing system: If you’re interested in adding air conditioning, a heat pump might be a better choice than a furnace, depending on your climate. Then again, if your home doesn’t have ductwork, a boiler could prove to be the most economical.

Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Furnace Replacement

Energy savings: Upgrading from your mediocre furnace to a high-efficiency model, you can expect immediate and profound savings on your monthly utility bills all season long.

Improved home comfort: The features that help an efficient furnace perform better also keeps you more comfortable. Expect more even temperatures from room to room and fewer drafts that diminish your comfort level.

Energy Efficiency Laws

Perhaps you have heard about the EPA’s plan to implement new furnace efficiency laws. Initially, the EPA planned to require the northern half of the United States to increase the minimum Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating from 80 percent to 90 percent on May 1, 2013, while keeping southern states at the previous 80 percent requirement. This plan fell through, however, and all states’ minimum efficiency requirements are still 80 percent AFUE.

To learn more about making an efficient furnace replacement, contact Aire Serv. We’re equipped to provide the professional replacement you’re looking for.